Raju Srivastava’s funeral to be held tomorrow in Delhi

The last rites of comedian-actor Raju Srivastava will be held on September 22 at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi, his family confirmed. The 58-year-old comedian breathed his last on Wednesday at AIIMS Delhi.

He was admitted to AIIMS Delhi following a major heart attack on August 10. The comedian experienced pain and collapsed while working out at a gym. For more than 40 days, he was admitted to the hospital and was on a ventilator.

Kushal Srivastava, Raju Srivastava’s nephew, said that he died due to a second cardiac arrest.

"He passed away due to a second cardiac arrest. We were confident till yesterday that all will be well because he had battling it for two months," said Kushal.

Raju’s brother, Dipoo Srivastava, said that he had been fighting for his life for more than 40 days. "I got a call in the morning saying he is no more. It is really unfortunate news. He had been waging a struggle for life in hospital for over 40 days," he said as quoted by PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt tribute to the standup comedian. Sharing a photograph with Srivastava, PM Modi tweeted, “Raju Srivastava brightened our lives with laughter, humour, and positivity. He leaves us too soon but he will continue to live in the hearts of countless people thanks to his rich work over the years. His demise is saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

In the 80s, Raju Srivastava came to ‘Mayanagari’ Mumbai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He started his acting career with small roles in films like - Tezaab (1988), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), and Baazigar (1993), to survive in the Maximum City until he bagged a show on Doordarshan.

In 1994, the comedian got his first big break with a Tea Time Manoranjan – a comic show - that aired on Doordarshan. The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005) came as a turning point in Raju’s professional life. However, Sunil Pal clinched the trophy, but our Gajodhar Bhaiya won the country's heart.

After the Great Indian Laughter Challenge Raju became a renowned and much-loved comedian in the country. His marvellous comic timing managed to tickle the funny bones of the audience every time he was on stage.

Raju Srivastava will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you Gajodhar Bhaiya, for making us laugh.